Fort of Jaffna to focus on foreigners

Plans are underway to convert the Fort of Jaffna into a tourist attraction centre shortly, once Phase 1 of the ongoing renovation projects costing Rs. 104 million is complete. The Jaffna Fort was built as a small garrison by the Portuguese in 1618 when they invaded Jaffna. Later, in 1658 the Dutch captured it from the Portuguese and expanded its location further. It was taken over by the British in 1795 and was completely destroyed during the war as the LTTE had maintained its garrison within the fort premises.

On an inspection tour of the site Sunday, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa instructed officials to complete the work early as the Government intended to declare the fort as a tourist attraction location, while preserving its archaeological values once the restoration work is complete. Minister Douglas Devananda, Northern Province Governor G.A. Chandrasiri and Deputy Minister M.L.A.M. Hisbulla accompanied the Minister during this inspection tour

– Pic by Chaminda Hittatiya